Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the two fashion shows before hopping over to a benefit auction for hyasynth Tiramisu. I know, sounds very fashionista, but I assure you, I am still just a fashionette struggling not to run into a wall because my client will hardly rez a thing when I’m in a high traffic area. But I wanted to give you a brief peak at some of the designs I saw and gracious company I had the pleasure of being in.
The first event I attended was the Fashionably Glamourous Show featuring models from Atlantis Modeling Agency. Although the grid had been down for a good chunk of the afternoon, this show went off pretty much without a hitch. The start was a little late because of a sim crash; but once it got going, the pace was rapid, the models were beautiful, and the clothes were great. I particularly liked the fact that there was a program vendor on site, which provided landmarks and a complete model/clothing line up. The mc gave a run down of each of the outfits over mic. I really like this, as it creates a nice real time atmosphere. But for reporting purposes, it’s also nice to have the information appear in chat.
While Blaze Columbia was the featured designer at this show, designs were also featured by SimWear and Designs by Adri (by Adri Saarinen). The SimWear collection consisted entirely of men’s formal wear–jaunty top hats, vests, and tuxedos. The Designs by Adri set consisted of a mix of women’s casual and formal clothes. Featured far left is Adri’s Hydrangea Dress, which was my favorite from her collection. I love the sheer and jagged hem on the dress, as well as the close in position of the shoulder straps. The periwinkle-lavender color is beautiful. I also really like this simple and striking black and white gown called, the Doris Day Dress, which is shown near left.
But what to say about Blaze Columbia? I have had only a couple of opportunities to see Blaze’s gowns in world prior to this show. But every time I go to his blog to view a new release, I find myself gasping. Each one is more beautiful than the one that came before it. They seem to glow. They’re other worldly. I wish my life was glamorous enough to wear them. Plain and simply, they take my breath away. I wish that my graphics card could do them the justice they deserve, but two gowns are shown below. In the gold we have the beautiful Cherish Lace Gown and in the deep purple we have Entwine. (In the future, I will have a photographer accompany me to the fashion show so that I can focus on watching the action instead of taking mediocre photos.)
After I left Fashionably Glamourous, I quickly changed and headed over to another fashion show that featured the designs of Musashi-Do by Shiryu Musashi. This was my first opportunity to see the Musashi-Do collection in world and also my first chance to chat with Shiryu Musashi, who amused me greatly by giving me a press pass to wear. Shiryu’s clothes range from sporty and futuristic skirt sets to sophisticated business suits The pieces all have that air of Italian elegance and effortless glamor, but with a strong Asian influence. The Asian influence is especially noticeable in a series he calls, Spirit of Battle.
The highlight of the evening occurred as all of the models lined the stage dressed in Shiryu’s newly-revamped collection of couture gowns. The models came out one by one adorned in jewels, gloves, and beautiful flexi gowns. They lined the front of the stage, and then Shiryu came out at the finale. It was just like a RL fashion show: glamorous and dramatic. Following the show, I had a chance to try a couple of these gowns in person. Below, I am wearing Obsidian Glitter, a midnight navy gown with dramatic prim shoulders, that reminded me of samurai armor.
Finally, I was lucky to attend a benefit for hyasynth Tiramisu. This was an incredible experience for me, as I’m sure it was for everyone who attended. There is nothing that can truly describe the warmth in the room and genuine sentiments of encouragement, but it was far from somber. The music was great and the auctions were competitive. Everyone was beautifully-dressed and were in a genuine spirit of giving. In RL these kinds of charity auctions and balls are out of reach for most every day citizens. Sure, L$1500 isn’t a lot of money in US dollars, but it’s the collective power of these micropayments that matter. The one dollar you give, is one dollar subtracted from those medical bills. And it’s not like giving to the Red Cross or clicking on a donation box on a web page. It feels real, genuine, and (for lack of a better word) human.
Financial matters aside, one cannot discount the healing power of having a community of people sending warm thoughts, prayers, and love. There is something ou this world that brings that out in people. And for all griefing, bugs, and down time it is a pleasure to be reminded just how kind and caring people can be.
